"Life isn't about finding oneself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Hiking with Friends!

Sunday, we went to the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area for another long wear the dog out hike. This time we went with a friend who has a Weimaraner, named Otto. Last summer, Shadow got to meet Otto on his first playdate. That really wore Shadow out so we were hopeful this time would be also!
The leaves at this elevation are at peak or very nearly. This time I focused less on the digital macro and more on the canopy above. At times I felt like I was looking at stained glass. With some of the trees, I did have a feel of a cathedral.In general, hikes in SC are all about the destination. There can be prettiest along the way, but there’s a set of falls or a breathtaking view at the end that one is going for. This hike was different in that it followed the Middle Tyger River which meant there were many falls to see and hear. While this is all beautiful, the main objective is wearing out the dogs. So does this face look worn out???So we resorted to throwing sticks into the water. The river generally washed away sticks we threw in, so then it became just find any old stick. Otto won first prize in fishing out a tree and bringing it back to us to “throw in” again! Can you imagine the jaws and the neck he must have???Otto and Shadow were still chasing each other at the end of the 5 hours, but we weren’t in the car more than 10 minutes before Shadow snuggles in… Score two big ones for the humans!

Oh come now, a happy face is much more rewarding than a tired one and that was one happy face picture!What a beautiful place and Otto is quite handsome too. I'll bet Shadow tucked in pretty quick at home too after that lovely day.

Jennifer,the photo of Otto and the tree reminded me of our dear, departed German Shepherd, Weben... who love to go fishing with us (husband fished, I drew)--at the end of the fishing session at the creek, Weben could then get in the water and he loved to bring back the biggest darn log he could find! Ignored the sticks we threw--went for the timber! Maybe it's a guy/dog thing...Tommye

Tommye, I have not idea if it was a guy/dog thing or not. Shadow was pretty confused by the whole thing - but I think it's because he's never seen such before. I hope the stories bring many pleasant memories!

Thanks Sue! We lost our German Shepherd last April and I found we had not taken as many pictures as I would have liked nor journaled as many stories. I thought the blog was a great way for me to keep up pictures and stories of Shadow. I'm glad others are enjoying it as well!